NRC Editorial Style Guide (NUREG-1379, Revision 3)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: February 2022
Date Published: April 2022

Prepared by:
J. Dougherty

L. Ronewicz, NRC Project Manager

Office of Administration
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

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Abstract

NUREG-1379, Revision 3, "NRC Editorial Style Guide," presents style guidance for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) documents. It addresses editorial issues that the staff and NRC contractors often handle, and it contains guidance specific to the language of nuclear technology and regulation.

This style guide also links writers and editors to external authorities and agency resources for additional information on the topics covered, including the principles of plain writing, which support the agency’s goals of transparency and accessibility. Additionally, the guide modernizes agency guidance on typography, updates the spelling and use of computer-related terminology, and guides the staff to use more inclusive language.

This revision substantially aligns NRC style with these well-known authorities: The Chicago Manual of Style Online (Chicago), the GPO Style Manual, and Federal Plain Language Guidelines. It is important to note that these references often present more than one acceptable way to write; moreover, they do not always agree. In most cases, Chicago style is used. In those cases where Chicago is not followed, the preferred or required source for certain types of agency documents is usually identified.

This guidance will make agency documents more accessible to those for whom they are written and support the Commission’s values of openness and clarity.